These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are like little pockets of fall goodness! They are made with soft crescent dough filled with creamy pumpkin and warm spices. Yum!
I love making these for a cozy snack. They’re so easy to whip up, and the smell while they’re baking just makes you smile. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent roll dough: This is the base for our bites. For a puffier texture, you can use puff pastry instead, though it will alter the baking time slightly.
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient, but you can also use homemade puree. Just roast and blend fresh pumpkin. Check for moisture—too watery can make the filling runny.
Brown sugar: This adds a molasses-like flavor. If you don’t have it, white sugar works too, but you might miss that rich taste.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that warm fall flavor. You could use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute if you have it on hand for a one-stop solution.
What’s the Best Way to Assemble Crescent Bites Without Mess?
Filling and rolling crescent dough can be tricky, but here are some tips to keep it neat and tasty:
- Keep your filling to 1-2 teaspoons per triangle to prevent overflow.
- Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough to seal them well. This helps keep the filling inside while baking.
- After rolling, gently press the edges to flatten a bit. This helps them stay closed during baking.
Taking your time with filling and sealing will ensure you have perfect bites without any mess!
Pumpkin Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Bites:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Optional Dipping Sauce:
- vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time plus 12-15 minutes of baking. So, you can enjoy these tasty Pumpkin Crescent Bites in less than half an hour! Perfect for a quick fall treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make clean-up easier and prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This will be the yummy filling for your crescent bites!
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Open the can of crescent roll dough carefully. You’ll see the perforated lines—separate the dough into triangles along these lines. This will give you the perfect shapes to fill!
4. Fill the Dough:
Take about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin filling and place it near the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to put too much filling to avoid any leakage during baking.
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle up toward the pointed end to form crescent shapes. Make sure to roll them tightly so the filling stays inside.
6. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 1 inch apart so they have room to puff up while baking.
7. Brush with Butter:
Take the melted butter and brush it generously over each crescent. This will help them create a lovely golden crust!
8. Add Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered crescent rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Bake in the Oven:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent bites are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the Pumpkin Crescent Bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a plate.
11. Enjoy!
Serve your warm bites with a side of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for dipping, and enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture, as fresh pumpkin can be a bit watery compared to canned puree.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Crescent Bites?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overheat, so they don’t dry out.
Can I Make These Crescent Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and fill the crescents a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What If I Don’t Have Ground Ginger or Nutmeg?
No worries! You can either omit them or use a bit more cinnamon for flavor. Pumpkin pie spice is also a great all-in-one alternative that includes those spices!
